Construction begins on solar canopy at Washington & Lee

The project will be built by Standard Solar and owned and operated by Secure Futures LLC.

When finished, the solar canopy, combined with other solar arrays at the university, will make up the largest solar installation in the state, according to Standard Solar. It is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 114 metric tons during its first year of operation. The project will be built on top of a university parking structure.

“This is an important step for Washington and Lee as part of our continuing emphasis on sustainability,” Kenneth P. Ruscio, W&L’s president said in a statement. “This is another instance of how we are aligning our institutional practices with what we preach to our students about their duties as responsible citizens and their obligations to future generations.”